The College of Charleston’s Department of Health and Human Performance is working to implement PARCS (Physical Activity in Residential Communities and Schools), a community-based program that offers physical activity and healthy lifestyles to under-served populations (minorities, low-income, etc.) of all ages (toddlers to seniors).
To raise money for implementation of this program, Rock this Party will be held on Wednesday, October 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Stern Center Garden. The event is a flash mob dance that will teach attendees the dances to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies,” Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling,” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Cost is $5 to attend the event and proceeds will be used to buy equipment and supplies for PARCS.
There is a movement nationwide to implement this community-based exercise program and Charleston will be the first city to implement PARCS, outside of Indianapolis where it originated. College of Charleston professors hope to help expand the program to cities across the nation with the support of the American College of Sports Medicine. The PARCS program in Charleston will start small and serve as an example of an effective and efficient program that can grow and develop in other communities. Professors hope to implement the PARCS pilot program in spring 2011 at yet to be determined facilities.
“We hope to provide people from under-served populations the access to healthy physical activity programs while providing our Health and Human Performance students opportunities to engage in hands-on, practical, real-world experiences,” says Professor Tim Scheett. “Students will be able to earn course credit while teaching people healthy physical activity habits through activities such as group and individual exercise programs.”
For more information about the PARCS program, contact Tim Scheett at scheettt@cofc.edu.
